Iwobi hails Osimhen winning mentality

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has offered a compelling insight into the mindset of star striker Victor Osimhen, attributing his ascent to the pinnacle of world football to an unrelenting drive to win. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Iwobi, who plays for Fulham, painted a vivid picture of Osimhen's intensity, noting that it permeates every aspect of his game, including training sessions.

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He always wants to win, and that mentality is sick. It’s sick. Sometimes it can be over the top because in training, he would like to fight and make sure he’s winning. Then sometimes he cheats, and he knows he’s cheating just to win. But it’s just a sick mentality.

Iwobi's description of Osimhen's mentality as 'sick' underscores the extraordinary level of competitiveness the striker brings. He detailed how Osimhen's desire to win can sometimes lead to friction, even in practice, and admitted that the striker is not above 'cheating' to secure victory. This, Iwobi argues, is not a flaw but a sign of an elite athlete's unwavering focus and determination, a trait that sets him apart.

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I’m not surprised he is where he is right now. Some would say he’s not polished, he’s a bit raw, but Victor will create himself five chances a game, just himself, just from hard work and running.

Furthermore, Iwobi dispelled any notion that Osimhen's success is merely luck or raw talent. He emphasized the striker's ability to consistently create scoring opportunities for himself through sheer hard work and relentless running, regardless of the opponent. This self-made approach, coupled with a fearless attitude towards any defender, including top-tier players like Virgil van Dijk, showcases Osimhen's unique brand of football. For Nigerians, Osimhen's journey and the insights from his teammates like Iwobi offer a powerful narrative of dedication and the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.

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He doesn’t care who you are. He doesn’t care if you’re Virgil van Dijk, if you’re a guy from non-league – no disrespect to non-league – he will fight. He will treat the game in the Champions League as if he’s playing with his brethrens.